The role of a community engagement officer has become increasingly vital for any business or organization, particularly for police departments. Kennett Square Life recently met with Elysia Simmons of the Kennett Township Police Department to talk about her expanded role, the many events the department organizes and the connections they make in the communities they serve.

Where were you raised and who or what inspired you to become a police officer?

I was raised in Downingtown, Pa. My stepfather, LT Ronald Marshman, inspired both my sister and me as children; however, the passing of my sister, Monica, is what truly inspired me to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Talk about your journey to becoming an officer. What education, tutoring and mentoring did you receive along the way?

After completing my training at the municipal police academy, I was fortunate to be guided by law enforcement officers who exemplified integrity in every aspect of their lives, both on and off duty. Throughout my career, I received invaluable mentorship and support through various training, which deepened my understanding of my career in law enforcement. 

My dedication to public relations blossomed as I discovered the importance of building connections within the community, and I cherished the personal bonds I formed along this journey. These experiences not only shaped my professional path but also reinforced my commitment to serve with compassion and empathy. Along the way, I’m enjoying my pursuit of a B.S. in Criminal Justice, which I will complete late June of this year.

In addition to your regular policing duties, you are the department’s community engagement officer. Describe your responsibilities in that role.

Public Relations within my role carries significant importance, and I truly cherish every opportunity to connect with our community members. As a patrol officer, I’m grateful for the opportunity to interact with people more often than just during calls for service. Whether I’m out on patrol, paying it forward in a store, or lending a helping hand to someone in need, I strive to express my gratitude for the community I serve. 

Furthermore, my responsibilities extend into more structured engagements where I have the privilege of planning community events. This not only allows me to collaborate with vendors and other agencies but also creates a welcoming environment where community members can interact with officers.

Like many police departments in southern Chester County, the Kennett Township Police Department is a frequent and friendly presence at many public events throughout the year: Coffee with a Cop, National Night Out, Family Fun Day to name just a few. Talk about the impact that the department wishes to make on the community it serves through these appearances and activities.

We prioritize our community by fostering strong connections with our officers and addressing our hiring needs to reflect the diversity of our community. We recognize the importance of having relatable and bilingual officers to serve our community effectively. Our goal is to create inclusive events where everyone feels welcome and appreciated.

Leadership at any level, in any organization, business or entity, begins with the vision of those at the top of that pyramid. What has Chief of Police Matt Gordon taught you and your fellow officers about community policing, and where would the readers of Kennett Square Life see Matt’s philosophies in action?

Chief Gordon embodies a remarkable understanding and trust in his officers, which fosters a deep sense of camaraderie within our team. He genuinely values each officer’s unique strengths and encourages us to use them for the betterment of our community. His unwavering support for our goals and aspirations empowers us to pursue our ambitions, and it truly reflects in our work.

Our department is committed to embracing diversity and nurturing a rich cultural environment, making it a priority to engage with the community. This compassionate approach enables us to connect on a deeper level and makes a genuine difference in the lives we touch.

The Kennett Township Police Department enjoys a tremendous relationship with the students, teachers and administrators at Greenwood Elementary School. It seems that your department is always paying friendly visits there. Describe that special connection that your department has with the school and the activities you engage in.

At Greenwood Elementary School, our connection with the principal, staff, and students truly warms our hearts. Even on heavy days, a walk through the school lifts our spirits as we see those bright, smiling faces. It’s a beautiful reminder of what matters most. Our officers are dedicated to protecting our youth and showing them we’re here for them. Officer Melendez, in particular, plays a vital role attending events like field day and Trunk or Treat, where his participation and interactions with the students and staff, shows his contribution to the efforts of community policing.

So many of us have been taught as youngsters to respect police officers, but that also comes with a natural inclination to not get too close. It’s an action that has, in the opinion of some, perpetuated a tenuous relationship between the public and law enforcement and stereotyped the police as cold and distant. In contrast, the people of your department smile, and they don’t hide behind aviator glasses. How has this department conspired against those stereotypes?

I believe that our police department has worked hard to combat these stereotypes by prioritizing culture and our genuine connections. This effort stems from a deep-seated passion for our mission and a commitment to our core values. Every day, we strive to protect our citizens with professionalism and care. If I, along with my peers, can reach out and touch even the heart of one individual, helping them to view law enforcement from a more compassionate perspective, I truly believe we are making a significant, positive impact. 

It inspires me to keep trying to connect with one more person, and then another, knowing that each effort can lead to a deeper understanding and a stronger community. We need our community to be involved; there is no community policing without our community.

What has your role as the community engagement officer for the Kennett Township Police Department taught you about the power of simple connection between people?

This experience has taught me to prioritize compassion and empathy over anything else. When members of our community reach out to the police during times of need or crisis, I strive to approach each situation with genuine care and understanding. By instilling these values as core, I hope to cultivate trust within the community. I am committed to holding myself accountable and being transparent in all my interactions, as I believe it is essential to support those who turn to us in their most vulnerable moments. I also believe in maintaining these relationships, checking in, and ensuring my community is well taken care of.

You must have several moments when the importance of your role in the department crystallized and told you, ‘This is why we do what we do.” Can you recall one of those special moments during a community event that stands out for you?

Many of my most meaningful moments arise when individuals return from their experiences to express the positive impact I've had on their lives, whether it’s through my actions that have provided life-saving assistance or inspired them to pursue a career in law enforcement. These encounters reinforce my purpose and motivate me daily in my work. From a community events perspective, witnessing children engaging in play, enjoying themselves, having fun interacting with fellow officers, and creating lasting memories is what resonates with me the most.

What is your favorite spot in Kennett Square?

Anson B. Nixon is one of my favorite spots in Kennett Square, but if we’re talking about food establishments; then Michoacana Grill makes me happy.

You organize a dinner party and can invite anyone you wish – famous or not, living or not. Who would you want to see around that table?

Well, I would like Amelia Earhart at my dinner table, surrounded by my family. I want to know everything; I have so many questions!

What item can always be found in your refrigerator?

Fun fact: in our home, it’s maraschino cherries and cheese, and of every kind. My husband, Brian, is a cheese lover, and well, you never know when you will crave a cherry on top of your ice cream sundae.

The Kennett Township Police Department is located at 801 Burrows Run Road, Chadds Ford, Pa. 19317. To learn more about the Kennett Township Police Department and its community events, email [email protected] or call the department’s non-emergency phone number, (610) 268-3171.